Reality TV show sparks anger in Algeria

"Le DZ à Dubaï" brings together a group of Algerian social media influencers, former models and rappers in a format based on a French show similar to Big Brother.

ALGIERS - An Algerian reality TV show filmed in Dubai is causing a backlash even before hitting the airwaves, with social media users demanding a boycott and accusing participants of bringing "shame" on the country.

"Le DZ à Dubaï" -- DZ being shorthand for Algeria or Algerian in Arabic -- brings together a group of Algerian social media influencers, former models and rappers in a format based on a French show similar to Big Brother.

But the show, presented by a Tunisian Instagram star and starring several Algerians from the diaspora in France, has already sparked rage in Algeria itself.

"You're nothing to do with DZ, you're taking over our identity, you're just French -- please stop surfing on our backs just to make a buzz", one Twitter user wrote.

"Algerians, the heirs of martyrs, would never show themselves off like this, which contradicts our values".

Set to air in June, the programme is already the target of a campaign under the hashtag #boycottlesdzindubai and has laid bare the divisions between Algerians and the diaspora.

One comment on Twitter showed the level of anger: "To all Algerians who refuse to respect our country, you will officially be placed in the category of Harkis", Algerians who served in the French army in during the 1954-1962 war of independence and are seen as traitors.

Presenter Sarah Fraisou, who has two million followers on Instagram, took to the social network to defend the show.

"You know nothing about what's been shot", she wrote. "There are no women in swimming costumes, no stories of couples. Stop freaking out and talking without even seeing the thing".

But another Twitter user had already made up his mind:

"The DZ in Dubai, but no Algerians?"